This babe is brains, guts and a lot of fun. And the scrub – second to none. I can’t wait for our next date, maybe in Hawaii.

We also realised we have a lot in common. Like being a vegan, liking coconuts and putting a lot of effort into my body and makeup.

You might have cured my deep-water fear, but I’ll steer clear of the sharks for now.

f: What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up?

B: Look out my window – I am lucky enough to look straight at the beach. So I can see what the weather is like, and then it helps me decide what I am going to do for the day.

f: You are a water baby. Where did this love stem from?

B: My parents are very beach orientated – they have both travelled a lot and surfed their whole loves.

I guess they felt the need to instill this into us (my brother and I). Thus, from a really young age I was just thrown in the water. All our holidays were always on the beach. We learnt to snorkel, swim and surf. I guess that is fairly natural when you grow up on the coast, and have a brother. You tend to do more sporty activities for fun – a bit of rough and tumble never went astray.

f: What is your favourite thing about the water?

B: That is really hard as it is such second nature to me. I guess it would be how much energy it gives me. Whatever I am doing, whether it is free diving or just swimming, the whole experience is so invigorating.

f: Do you have any fears when being in the water?

B: I wouldn’t call them fears – however there were certainly things growing up that made me uncomfortable – but I think that is natural for any child. You are constantly put in somewhat difficult circumstances when in the water, because as it is a natural body you never know what it is going to throw at you. Instead of seeing this unknown as a fear, I prefer to view it as a challenge.

Things like really deep water and sharks now excite me. I have a mutual respect for them and they are of interest to me. You have to be mindful that you are in their home, not the other way around. A lot of people go their whole life scared of the water, however I believe you just have to throw yourself in there and your confidence will grow. My poise has come from being in the water and putting myself in those situations.

f: You have recently completed your studies. How do you hope to apply this to your work & lifestyle?

B: I have worked out that I want to apply my knowledge and experiences in the water, rather than from behind the scenes in a lab. Not that either is more or less important, but that I am most comfortable and happy there. You do your best work when you are truly happy – so why fight that.

I have been lucky enough to have some amazing opportunities thrown at me. I did work experience in Exmouth, and then in Tonga with the hump backs. I also spent a few days on a dive boat for great whites.

These experiences have come from showing initiative and volunteering my time. From this, I know have the opportunity to go back on that same boat for 4 months, as the dive guide and marine biologist. I am so excited, and plan to travel with my best friend in Hawaii afterwards.

f: Biggest insight into marine biology you can give me as an average guy?

B: Everything I have learnt in the degree is super broad, however I think the most important thing I have learnt is that there are the people who sugar coat marine biology and make it all about dolphins, and then there are the people that know the importance and seriousness behind conserving our ocean.

I definitely fall into the latter, and have realised how larger part the ocean is of the worlds makeup. It has been so humbling to learn all of this information and communicate this with other people. I like sharing the information I learn and am lucky enough to have active social channels to do so.

f: You have an incredible appreciation for nature. Does this then translate into beauty products?

B: 100%!

I have been vegan for 6 years – when making this change I put a lot of effort into learning what products had in them, and why. You can eat vegan and organic, but if you still use chemicals in beauty products, that kind of defeats the purpose. Maybe that is one of the reasons I love you so much, frank.

f: What products do you use?

B: Coconut oil is my go-to. I use it all over my body, hair especially. Being in the sun all day, I find this is really hydrating for both my hair and skin.

However I did learn a fun fact that I am trialing – and if you stick to it, actually works. You can swap shampoo for bi carb soda, and conditioner for apple cider vinegar. The balancing effects of bi carb have effect on your scalp, taking the grease out. And ACV is a natural conditioner. Who knew?

f: You spend your day in the sunshine and salt water. Do you find you have to look after your skin differently to the average person?

B: Definitely – but coconut does this for me. I take it with me everywhere – it travels around the world with me. I took it with me to Tonga and I didn’t get sunburnt and it kept my tan. You could say I love it. (but you more, don’t worry.)

f: Average day on a plate?

B: Bananas. Always. It is not uncommon for me to have 2-3 a day.

Mornings I have a smoothie – nothing in the fridge is safe. I chuck it all in.

Lunchtime I find I am often working or busy so it tends to be salad or fruit.

For dinner I make a lot of sushi – I enjoy the process and love knowing exactly what is in what I am eating.

When travelling, your routine can be a bit more complicated. But I guess that is where my love of fruit saves me. Anywhere in the world you can get it, and the natural sugar is a great form of energy. If I am free diving however I tend to just drink more fluids. Having a lot in your stomach restricts your breathing, hence meaning you can’t hold your breath for as long. My diet certainly reflects my lifestyle, and is the perfect balance to keep me energized and able to do what I need to do.

f: One tip for staying fit in the water?

B: It sounds obvious or stupid. However just being in the water will keep you fit. Whatever you’re doing there, requires energy and fitness.

It’s ironic – I have taught a few footy players to surf, and they could be the fittest guy in the world, but they’re not surf fit. You have to keep your body afloat for such a long period of time, that your body has to compensate for trying to regulate all the factors.

Flexibility is also a huge aspect for all water based sports – so I do a lot of yoga to help this.

f: Do you have an environment-saving quote?

B: I have a lot of opinions as to why I eat the way I do and live the way I do. I believe that more people need to be apart of something that is bigger than yourself. It is great to do well in your career, but a lot of people see past the big things such as conservation. If everyone does something, it can make a difference. The imbalance in the world is something we created – once people become more aware, we can make a difference.

We as a species need to take responsibility. I have compassion for all living things and I believe everything is on the planet for a reason – not necessarily for humans to exploit or eradicate.

f: And a #bodylove quote?

B: I think it is really important to eat things as close as possible to their natural state. And in addition to this, involve things in your life that keep you fit whilst happy – that way it isn’t a chore.

I do personally put a lot of effort in, but at the end of the day that is what makes me happy and keeps me healthy.

f: Who should frank put on his to scrub / dirty talk list?

B: Close friend, and fellow surfer, Nikki Van Dijk – she is the biggest babe, super fit, and a great role model.

xx frank